Police Action Round-Up Following Neighbourhood Policing Week

A week of action resulted in seized vehicles, suspected drugs recovered, arrests and rural crime patrols as Cleveland Police neighbourhood teams took part in Neighbourhood Policing Week.

Led by the College of Policing, Neighbourhood Policing Week began on Monday 22^nd January and saw forces across the country raising awareness of the crucial work undertaken by Neighbourhood Officers every single day.

Neighbourhood Policing Teams across Middlesbrough, Stockton, Hartlepool and Redcar and Cleveland work closely with partner agencies in the heart of our communities, listening to and responding to local issues and concerns around everything from antisocial behaviour, antisocial use of vehicles and criminal damage, to drug use and serious violence.

Operation Artemis also took place on Monday 22^nd January, with all four neighbourhood teams from across the Force carrying out targeted activity.

Throughout the week, neighbourhood teams and partner agencies from local authorities, housing providers and others, worked together to carry out their work, which included:

• In Stockton – officers attended a report of a garage burglary on Hope Gardens alongside Matrix Team officers and police dog Razor – two teenage males were arrested and a quad bike was recovered.

• A warrant was carried out at a property on Ware Street - two men, aged 37 and 32, were both arrested on suspicion of possession of class B and class C drugs and possession of CS gas. Weapons were also seized from the address. Both men have since been released on bail while enquiries are ongoing.

• School visits were carried out at Harrowgate Primary School, Rosebrook Primary School and Hardwick Primary School.

• In Middlesbrough – neighbourhood officers worked with local authority colleagues from Middlesbrough Council in a number of operations aimed at seizing uninsured and untaxed vehicles.

• A quantity of suspected drugs and associated paraphernalia has been seized by officers in Hemlington. Neighbourhood team officers from Coulby Newham went to the property on Coatham Close in Hemlington on Monday 22nd January, after reports of drug related activity.

• Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Policing Team attended Newport Primary School on Tuesday morning (23rd January) in relation to parking concerns raised around drop-off and pick-up times.

• In Redcar & Cleveland – rural crime patrols were carried out on Thursday 25^th January with officers seizing a vehicle in Guisborough after the driver was reportedly disqualified and had no insurance or licence. Four males were also issued with Community Protection Warnings in relation to wildlife offences.

• Plain clothed officers were deployed to Cleveland Retail Park and a 35-year-old man was arrested and charged with shoplifting after allegedly stealing hundreds of pounds worth of cosmetics.

• Neighbourhood officers visited an assisted living facility, a day care centre for people living with Alzheimer's Disease, and two food banks.

• In Hartlepool – across two days, two cannabis farms were located and seized worth around a total of £400,000. A 21-year-old man was located inside one of the properties and was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis.

• Neighbourhood Officers carried out arrest attempts for wanted shoplifters. A 46-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of a theft from Boots and later charged with two counts of theft from a shop, to appear at court on the afternoon of 8 February.

• Inputs were carried out at local youth centres and at schools around antisocial behaviour and personal safety.

Head of Local Policing, Acting Assistant Chief Constable Dave Sutherland, said: “Over the last week we have been able to show the public some of the vital work which our neighbourhood teams carry out in our communities every day. These teams work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

“From speaking with residents, business owners and visitors, listening to concerns and working with colleagues in Response teams and specialist units, Special constables and partner agencies; these teams take action to help tackle those issues which are very important to local people.

“Our neighbourhood teams across the force area show dedication, professionalism and commitment in their role and strive to protect people and protect communities across Teesside. Again, I’d like to publicly thank them for this.”

To find out information on your local neighbourhood policing team, please visit: www.cleveland.police.uk  or call 101 to speak to your local neighbourhood team.